Nano-Thymol Emulsion Inhibits Botrytis cinerea to Control Postharvest Gray Mold on Tomato Fruit

Thymol is a plant-derived natural compound with antimicrobial activity. However, we have little knowledge about the application of thymol in agriculture. One limitations high volatility and low aqueous solubility thymol. Tomato gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea one most devastating postharvest diseases. In this study, prepared nano-emulsion (named as Nano-Thy) to form stable O/W (oil water) microemulsion. vitro experiments showed that Nano-Thy had antifungal activity against B. inhibiting mycelial growth spore germination. induced ROS accumulation mycelia, further leading lipid peroxidation, cell membrane damage, subsequent death. significantly prevented infection on fresh tomato fruits. Finally, discussed mechanisms their significance controlling disease fruit crops.